TOAST.net Knowledge Base

Two of the most common problems people experience on the Internet are "pop up ads" and "spyware" infections. Pop up ads refer to those annoying advertising windows that "pop up" on your screen while you're browsing on the Internet. Spyware is software that gets installed on your PC (normally without your consent) that runs in the background and can cause things like systems slow downs, constant pop up ads, and numerous other problems. Pop up ads and spyware infections can prevent you from enjoying your Internet experience, so TOAST.net offers the following advice on protecting your PC and your privacy.

What are "Pop Ups"?

If you've been on the Internet for any amount of time, you're probably familiar with Pop Ups. Pop Ups are those annoying advertisements that come up automatically when you browse to a certain website. (Thus the name "Pop Up" to explain how these ads literally pop up.) They take time to download to your PC-- and that's time taken away from the browsing you want to be doing.

What is "Spyware"?

Spyware is more complex than Pop Ups, but you can get Pop Ups on your PC because of Spyware. Spyware is an all-purpose term that refers to software that often enters your PC without your knowledge or consent; however, unlike a virus, Spyware isn't typically malicious. Basically, Spyware is hidden software that's loaded onto your PC to benefit the Spyware manufacturer or advertiser. Spyware can invade your privacy by tracking your Internet usage and report these statistics back to the Spyware manufacturer. It might also alter your PC so that you get unwanted Pop Up ads when browsing the Internet, or change your web browser's home page to something undesired. Spyware takes valuable resources away from your CPU, RAM, and hard drive, as well as making your Internet connection slower.

What can I do to avoid Spyware and Pop-Ups?

TOAST.net has created an article, 5 Steps for Safe Computing that covers all areas of PC and Internet safety. Click Here for more information.